In a dramatic political move, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko late Friday, May 22, through a presidential decree. This decisive action follows months of escalating tensions between the head of state and his government, culminating in a high-stakes address to parliament where Sonko openly challenged the president’s authority.
During the parliamentary session, Sonko, a prominent figure among Senegal’s youth, publicly asserted his independence, declaring that he made decisions without prior approval from the executive. His remarks underscored a deepening rift within the administration, raising questions about governance stability in the West African nation.
Sonko’s political journey reached a turning point in 2024 when he was barred from running in the presidential election. He subsequently endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who went on to win the presidency, making this dismissal a pivotal moment in Senegal’s post-election transition.
United States tightens green card application process
In a sweeping change to immigration policy, the Trump administration announced Friday that prospective green card applicants will now be required to return to their home countries to complete the application process. Previously, individuals holding temporary visas could adjust their status while remaining in the United States, a provision now revoked by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The shift means thousands of legal immigrants—including spouses of U.S. citizens—will face prolonged separations from their families and livelihoods while awaiting residency permits. Critics have labeled the policy “cruel and illogical”, warning it could disrupt lives and destabilize communities.
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as U.S. intelligence chief
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), submitted her resignation to President Trump on Friday, effective June 30, citing personal reasons related to her husband’s health. Gabbard, known for advocating a more restrained foreign policy, has spent her tenure largely sidelined from major national security decisions, including military operations in Iran and Venezuela.
Her departure marks the end of a turbulent period at the helm of America’s 18 intelligence agencies, where she frequently clashed with the White House over strategic priorities.
EU and Mexico expand trade partnership
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum finalized a revised trade agreement between the European Union and Mexico on Friday. The updated accord, active since 2000, eliminates tariffs on nearly all Mexican food exports to Europe while strengthening collaboration in security, migration, clean energy, and digital trade.
In a global climate of rising protectionism, the deal sends a clear message of commitment to free trade and economic openness between the two blocs.
New hantavirus case linked to cruise ship MV Hondius
A twelfth case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, with a crew member contracting the virus after disembarking in Tenerife and later being transferred to the Netherlands. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the death toll remains at three, with no new fatalities since the outbreak was first reported on May 2.
